get to know the driver with my boy anj!!!! (actual version that would be recorded, meaning deadname usage since he's in the closet 😔)
Q: How do you pronounce your name in your own language?
A: [slightly awkward laugh] English is my first language, technically, but in Hindi, [Avani's] supposed to be pronounced "uh-vuh-nee", and my last name is pronounced "kuu-mahr".
Q: What does F1 mean to you?
A: [makes a face, but quickly replaces it with a grin] Man, these questions! [laughing] How you come up with these I have no idea. [people off camera laughing] Well, seeing as how just about everything I've done for the past, what, fourteen years, has been to get into F1, and that even though I've finally gotten past the door, have to do a myriad of things outside of just working on and with the team so I can actually stay in, I'd say it's basically everything. Yanno? [people off screen exchange looks of concern with each other]
Q: Describe yourself in three words!
A: [dramatically, groans, puts hands over face, and leans back] Come onnnnnn, you can't be serious.
Q: [laughing] I'm afraid so.
A: Ah well, guess we can't help it. [puts hands on hips] I guess if I had to pick, they'd be smart, stubborn, and solid.
Q: What's your favorite track?
A: [cringes, then laughs] Oofda, that's a tough one. I'll have to go with Suzuka–especially in the rain–but COTA will always have a place in my heart.
Q: Who do you get on best with out of the drivers on the grid?
A: Oh, Al (editor's note: Alice Villeneuve), easily. Not to say the rest of the grid aren't nice, or anything, we've just been friends since forever. [sounds of protest/annoyance behind camera, to which Anj rolls his eyes, smiling] Actually, now that I think about it, that Bortoleto fellow's pretty annoying. I have gotten pretty good at beating him, though! [people off camera laughing, with person protesting before protesting even louder]
Q: Are you an early bird or night owl?
A: This is going to surprise a lot of people, but I'm actually an early bird! I hate staying up late–I'd much rather go to bed early and wake up around 5:30. It does get a bit tricky when daylight savings comes around, though.
Q: What's your career highlight or major milestone along the way?
A: Getting into F1, for sure. There's no contest.
Q: What's a skill you'd like to learn or master aside from driving?
A: Great question! I'm not really sure, honestly–maybe snowboarding? I've had friends take me skiing, but that's always been pretty boring, no offense.
Q: What would be your go-to karaoke song?
A: 'Bohemian Rhapsody'! It's both a great song and is perfect for group sing alongs. Also, I can do a killer Freddy Mercury.
Q: What's the best thing about being a racing driver?
A: Racing! There's nothing better in the world, really–apart from dogs. Dogs are the best.
Q: What's a fact that most people wouldn't know about you?
A: [laughs] Great question! Honestly, I don't think there's a lot I haven't shared, and if I haven't shared it, I probably had a good reason for it, like safety, or something. [crosses his arms] Hmmm....oh, wait, I know! [uncrosses arms and pushes up his sleeves] I'm double jointed in my elbows! [bends elbows; oohs and aahs and sounds of discomfort and disgust are heard from behind the camera; Anj grins] Yeah, I figured you guys would respond like that.
Q: What's the best thing about your hometown?
A: Oh god, that's hard–there's too many things I could say! [thinks for a bit, tapping his foot] I think if it comes down to which I've enjoyed the most, I have to say the MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art)! I definitely recommend going there if you're ever going up to Minnesota.
Q: And finally, do you have any pets?
A: She's technically my guard dog, but yes! She's a German Shepherd and she's named Princess because she's my princess. I'd also love to get another dog in a few years, like a Great Dane – Princess deserves to have a friend around the house.
gahhhh ANJ!!! he's my favorite little guy in the world ilhsmmmmmm ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
also if you've made it this far here are the little notes in the picture(s):
Scar on right eyebrow (context: Alice dared him to climb up a tree during a game of truth or dare during a sleepover they had when they were like 12 and he did but fell out and hit the ground headfirst after being surprised by Alice's mom (fem!Jacques Villeneuve) coming outside to see where all the noise was coming from)
Dyed/bleached bangs yellow/blonde after being inspired by Megan Katseye
Official Cadillac varsity/letterman jacket that he personally begged the Cadillac merch team for
INSANE curl/hair care routine (and it shows)
Close call btwn Lockheed Martin and RTX/Rayteon Technologies being Cadillac's American/arms dealer name sponsor (RTX won out for having an easier logo to draw)
From COTA (i.e. that's a picture of him on the podium at COTA this year)
Vans high tops (i cannot stress enough how much he loves Vans despite the fact they're the most uncomfortable shoes EVER along with doc martens and converse–also shoe brands he loves)
4'10'' or 150 cm (he's just a little guy ^^)
